Gaming devices using subsymbol bonus feature

ABSTRACT

Embodiments of the present invention set forth systems, apparatuses and methods for implementing bonus features using subsymbols during game play. Accordingly, a gaming device can be configured to randomly overlay or otherwise associate zero, one, or more subsymbols on game symbols used in a game of chance. When subsymbols appear on game symbols that are randomly determined to be part of the game outcome, a bonus feature is triggered that may be used to modify awards provided from the game outcome. The presence of the subsymbols themselves may act as a trigger for a secondary bonus feature or event, or the subsymbols themselves may show random indicia within the subsymbol that provides a bonus modifier or other award.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This application claims the benefit of Provisional Patent ApplicationNo. 62/466,890, filed on Mar. 3, 2017, to which priority is claimedpursuant to 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) and which is incorporated herein byreference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

Casino games such as poker, slots, and craps have long been enjoyed as ameans of entertainment. Some of these games originated using traditionalelements such as playing cards or dice. More recently, gaming deviceshave been developed to simulate and/or further enhance these games whileremaining entertaining. The popularity of casino gambling with wageringcontinues to increase, as does recreational gambling such asnon-wagering computer game gambling. Part of this popularity is theincreased development of new types of games that are implemented, atleast in part, on gaming devices.

One reason that casino games are widely developed for gaming devices isthat a wide variety of games can be implemented on gaming devices,thereby providing an array of choices for players looking to gamble. Forexample, the graphics and sounds included in such games can be modifiedto reflect popular subjects, such as movies and television shows. Gameplay rules and types of games can also vary greatly providing manydifferent styles of gambling. Additionally, gaming devices requireminimal supervision to operate on a casino floor, or in other gamblingenvironments. That is, as compared to traditional casino games thatrequire a dealer, banker, stickman, pit managers, etc., gaming devicesneed much less employee attention to operate.

With the ability to provide new content, players have come to expect theavailability of an ever-wider selection of new games when visitingcasinos and other gaming venues. Playing new games adds to theexcitement of “gaming” As is well known in the art and as used herein,the term “gaming” and “gaming devices” generally involves some form ofwagering, and that players make wagers of value, whether actual currencyor something else of value, e.g., token or credit. Wagering-type gamesusually provide rewards based on random chance as opposed to skill,although some skill may be an element in some types of games. Sincerandom chance is a significant component of these games, they aresometimes referred to as “games of chance.”

The present disclosure describes methods, systems, and apparatus thatprovide for new and interesting gaming experiences, and that provideother advantages over the prior art.

SUMMARY

To overcome limitations in the prior art described above, and toovercome other limitations that will become apparent upon reading andunderstanding the present specification, embodiments of the presentinvention are directed to an apparatus, system, computer readablestorage media, and/or method that involve or otherwise facilitateproviding gaming devices with subsymbol driven bonus features. In oneembodiment, a gaming device including a display and a processor isconfigured to randomly overlay or otherwise associate zero, one, or moresubsymbols on game symbols used in a game of chance. When subsymbolsappear on game symbols that are randomly determined to be part of thegame outcome, a bonus feature is triggered that may be used to modifyawards provided from the game outcome. In some embodiments, the presenceof the subsymbols themselves act as a trigger for a secondary bonusfeature or event, while in other embodiments, the subsymbols themselvesmay show random indicia within the subsymbol that provides a bonusmodifier or other award.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a diagram of a gaming machine according to embodiments of theinvention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a computing arrangement accordingto embodiments of the invention

FIG. 3 is a diagram of a gaming display showing a subsymbol featureimplemented in a video poker game according to embodiments of theinvention.

FIGS. 4A and 4B are parts of a flow diagram showing a method ofoperating a gaming device using subsymbols according to embodiments ofthe invention.

FIGS. 5A and 5B are diagrams of a gaming display showing a progressionof game events using subsymbols according to embodiments of theinvention.

FIGS. 6A and 6B are diagrams of a gaming display showing anotherprogression of game events using subsymbols according to embodiments ofthe invention.

FIG. 7 is a diagram of a gaming display showing another subsymbolfeature implemented in a video poker game according to embodiments ofthe invention.

FIGS. 8A and 8B are diagrams of a gaming display showing anotherprogression of game events using subsymbols according to embodiments ofthe invention.

FIG. 9 is a diagram of a gaming display showing another subsymbolfeature implemented in a spinning reel game according to embodiments ofthe invention.

FIGS. 10A, 10B, 10C, and 10D are diagrams of a gaming display showinganother progression of game events using subsymbols according toembodiments of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description of various exemplary embodiments, referenceis made to the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and inwhich is shown by way of illustration representative embodiments inwhich the features described herein may be practiced. It is to beunderstood that other embodiments may be utilized, as structural andoperational changes may be made without departing from the scope of thedisclosure.

In the description that follows, the terms “reels,” “cards,” “decks,”and similar mechanically descriptive language may be used to describevarious apparatus presentation features, as well as various actionsoccurring to those objects (e.g., “spin,” “draw,” “hold,” “bet”).Although the present disclosure may be applicable to manual, mechanical,and/or computerized embodiments, as well as any combinationtherebetween, the use of mechanically descriptive terms is not meant tobe only applicable to mechanical embodiments. Those skilled in the artwill understand that, for purposes of providing gaming experiences toplayers, mechanical elements such as cards, reels, and the like may besimulated on a display in order to provide a familiar and satisfyingexperience that emulates the behavior of mechanical objects, as well asemulating actions that occur in the non-computerized games (e.g.,spinning, holding, drawing, betting). Further, the computerized versionmay provide the look of mechanical equivalents but may be generallyrandomized in a different way. Thus, the terms “cards,” “decks,”“reels,” “hands,” etc., are intended to describe both physical objectsand emulation or simulations of those objects and their behaviors usingelectronic apparatus.

In various embodiments of the invention, the gaming displays aredescribed in conjunction with the use of data in the form of “symbols.”In the context of this disclosure, a “symbol” may generally refer atleast to a collection of one or more arbitrary indicia or signs thathave some conventional significance. In particular, the symbolrepresents values that can at least be used to determine whether toaward a payout. A symbol may include numbers, letters, shapes, pictures,textures, colors, sounds, etc., and any combination therebetween. A wincan be determined by comparing the symbol with another symbol.Generally, such comparisons can be performed via software by mappingnumbers (or other data structures such as character strings) to thesymbols and performing the comparisons on the numbers/data structures.Other conventions associated with known games (e.g., the numericalvalue/ordering of face cards and aces in card games) may also beprogrammatically analyzed to determine winning combinations.

As described herein, the term “subsymbols” may generally refer to asecondary symbol that can be associated with a game symbol. Subsymbolsmay include letters, shapes, pictures, textures, colors, sounds, etc.,and any combination therebetween that can be separately associated withgame symbol. For example, a game symbol may refer to a virtual playingcard, and a subsymbol may refer to an image of a wheel or a die that isplaced on, overlaid, or otherwise associated with the virtual playingcard. In another example, a game symbol may refer to a bar symbol in aslot game that appears on a game reel, and a subsymbol may be a word“bonus” that is placed on, overlaid, or otherwise associated with thebar slot symbol. The subsymbols may be fixed with respect to theunderlying game symbol, or may be dynamically added or removed to one ormore game symbols during game play. For example, in a video poker game,the game symbols may include a deck of virtual playing cards, and a gameprocessor may randomly determine prior to dealing a hand of virtualpoker cards one of the cards to overlay a “star” subsymbol. In thisexample, if the virtual card with the star subsymbol is dealt as part ofthe poker hand, a bonus feature may be initiated such as randomlydetermining a multiplier to use with the poker game, making theunderlying virtual card wild, adding bonus credits to any award won, ortriggering any other type of bonus feature. The subsymbols may have aparticular function or value that is separate from a game symbol that isassociated with the subsymbol. Similarly, the game symbol may have afunction or value that is separate from the subsymbol that is associatedwith it. In the above example of the poker game, suppose a “star”subsymbol is randomly associated with the Jack of Diamonds playing cardfor the played poker hand. An image of a star may be placed or overlaidon the Jack of Diamonds if the Jack of Diamonds is dealt as part of thepoker hand. However, the Jack of Diamonds may still function as a cardwith the rank of jack and the suit of diamonds for poker hand evaluationpurposes, while the star subsymbol may represent a random multiplier of2×, 3×, 5×, or 10× being used to modify any awards from the poker handevaluation.

In some embodiments, the subsymbol may be associated with an underlyingsymbol during game play or after an initial result is shown on the gamedisplay. That is, for example, a subsymbol may be associated with asymbol on a spinning reel while the reel is spinning (that is, after thegame has been initiated, but before the result of that reel spin isshown). Alternatively, a subsymbol may, for example, be overlaid on acard symbol after a hand of cards has been dealt.

Generally, systems, apparatuses and methods are described forimplementing subsymbol driven features in gaming activities. Thesystems, apparatuses and methods described herein may be implemented asa single game, or part of a multi-part game. For example, the gamefeatures described herein may be implemented in primary gamingactivities, bonus games, side bet games or other secondary gamesassociated with a primary gaming activity. The game features may beimplemented in stand-alone games, multi-player games, etc. Further, thedisclosure may be applied to games of chance, and descriptions providedin the context of any representative game (e.g. slot game) is providedfor purposes of facilitating an understanding of the features describedherein. However, the principles described herein are equally applicableto any game of chance where an outcome(s) is determined for use in theplayer's gaming activity.

Embodiments of the present concept include providing gaming devices(also referred to as gaming apparatuses or gaming machines), gamingsystems, and methods of operating these devices or systems to providegame play that utilizes operations of facilitate providing gamingdevices with subsymbol driven bonus features. In one embodiment, agaming device including a display and a processor is configured torandomly overlay zero, one, or more subsymbols on game symbols used in agame of chance. When subsymbols appear on game symbols that are randomlydetermined to be part of the game outcome, a bonus feature is triggeredthat may be used to modify awards provided from the game outcome. Insome embodiments, the presence of the subsymbols themselves act as atrigger for a secondary bonus feature or event, while in otherembodiments, the subsymbols themselves may show random indicia withinthe subsymbol that provides a bonus modifier or other award.

In embodiments where the presence of one or more subsymbols triggers abonus, some of the embodiments include subsymbols that trigger a bonusmerely by appearing on an associated game symbol that is part of a gameoutcome, while other of the embodiments utilize a particular combinationof subsymbols appearing on respective associated game symbols that arepart of the game outcome. For example, two subsymbols may be used duringgame play, where a first subsymbol is a lock and a second subsymbol is akey. If game symbols appear as part of the game outcome that have eitherthe lock subsymbol or the key subsymbol, but both of the subsymbols arenot shown in the game outcome, no bonus may be triggered. However, ifboth the lock subsymbol and the key subsymbol are associated with gamesymbols that are shown on a game display as part of a game outcome, abonus or other feature may be triggered.

In other embodiments, the subsymbols themselves may be the bonusfeature, where parts of the subsymbol are used to determine what thefeature provides. For example, in a video poker embodiment where thesubsymbols are dice, one or two dice may be randomly associated withrespective virtual playing cards, where the subsymbols can appear toshow any one of the six faces of the dice with 1 through 6 pips. Theside of the die for each subsymbol may also be randomly selected duringgame play so that if a virtual playing card with one of the dicesubsymbols is dealt to the poker hand, the player receives a multiplierequal to the number of pips shown on the random face of the dice. Insome embodiments, the side of the die is randomly selected prior to thecards being dealt. In other embodiments, an image of the die is shown onthe cards, where the die is randomly rolled if it appears on a card thatis dealt to the poker hand to determine a face of the die to show, andconsequently which multiplier value is awarded from the subsymbol bonusfeature.

Numerous variations are possible using these and other embodiments ofthe inventive concept. Some of these embodiments and variations arediscussed below with reference to the drawings. However, many otherembodiments and variations exist that are covered by the principles andscope of this concept. For example, although some of the embodimentsdiscussed below involve reel-based slot machine examples of thisconcept, other embodiments include application of these inventivetechniques in other types of slot games, poker games, or other games ofchance. Some of these other types of embodiments will be discussed belowas variations to the examples illustrated. However, many other types ofgames can implement similar techniques and fall within the scope of thisinventive concept.

Referring to the example gaming apparatus 100 shown in FIG. 1, thegaming apparatus includes a display area 102 (also referred to as agaming display), and a player interface area 104, although some or allof the interactive mechanisms included in the user interface area 104may be provided via graphical icons used with a touch screen in thedisplay area 102 in some embodiments. The display area 102 may includeone or more game displays 106 (also referred to as “displays” or “gamingdisplays”) that may be included in physically separate displays or asportions of a common large display. Here, the game display 106 includesa primary game play portion 108 that displays game elements and symbols110, and an operations portion 109 that can include meters, various gamebuttons, or other game information for a player of the gaming device100.

The user interface 104 allows the user to control and engage in play ofthe gaming machine 100. The particular user interface mechanismsincluded with user interface 104 may be dependent on the type of gamingdevice. For example, the user interface 104 may include one or morebuttons, switches, joysticks, levers, pull-down handles, trackballs,voice-activated input, or any other user input system or mechanism thatallows the user to play the particular gaming activity.

The user interface 104 may allow the user or player to enter coins,bills, or otherwise obtain credits through vouchers, tokens, creditcards, tickets, etc. Various mechanisms for entering such vouchers,tokens, credit cards, coins, tickets, etc. are described below withreference to FIG. 2. For example, currency input mechanisms, cardreaders, credit card readers, smart card readers, punch card readers,radio frequency identifier (RFID) readers, and other mechanisms may beused to enter wagers. The user interface 104 may also include amechanism to read and/or validate player loyalty information to identifya user or player of the gaming device. This mechanism may be cardreader, biometric scanner, keypad, or other input device. It is throughthe user interface 104 that the player can initiate and engage in gamingactivities. While the illustrated embodiment depicts various buttons forthe user interface 104, it should be recognized that a wide variety ofuser interface options are available for use in connection with thepresent invention, including pressing buttons, touching a segment of atouch-screen, entering text, entering voice commands, or other knowndata entry methodology.

The game display 106 in the display area 102 may include one or more ofan electronic display, a video display, a mechanical display, and fixeddisplay information, such as paytable information associated with aglass/plastic panel on the gaming machine 100 and/or graphical images.The symbols or other indicia associated with the play of the game may bepresented on an electronic display device or on mechanical devicesassociated with a mechanical display. Generally, the display 106 devotesthe largest portion of viewable area to the primary gaming portion 108.The primary gaming portion 108 is generally where the visual feedbackfor any selected game is provided to the user. The primary gamingportion 108 may render graphical objects such as cards, slot reels,dice, animated characters, and any other gaming visual known in the art.The primary gaming portion 108 also typically informs players of theoutcome of any particular event, including whether the event resulted ina win or loss.

In some the example embodiments illustrated herein, the primary gamingportion 108 may display a grid (or equivalent arrangement) of gameelements 110 or game element positions (also referred to as “cardpositions” or “reel stop positions” herein). As illustrated in theembodiment shown in FIG. 1, the grid includes a row of five cardpositions for virtual playing card game elements 110, which may form apoker hand of a game play event from which prizes are determined. Insome slot machine examples, each column may display a portion of a gamereel. The game reels may include a combination of game symbols in apredefined order. In mechanical examples, the game reels may includephysical reel strips where game symbols are shown in images fixed on thereel strips. Virtual reel strips may be mapped to these physical reelpositions shown on the reel strips to expand the range or diversity ofgame outcomes. In video slot examples, reel strips may be encoded in amemory or database and virtual reels may be used for the game reels withimages representing the data related to the reel strips. In other slotmachine embodiments, each reel stop position on the grid may beassociated with an independent reel strip. In yet other slot machineembodiments, reels and/or reel strips may not be used at all indetermining the symbols shown in the game element positions of the grid.For example, a symbol may be randomly selected for each game elementposition, or the symbols may be determined in part by game eventsoccurring during game play, such as displayed elements being replaced bynew game elements or symbols. Numerous variations are possible forimplementing slot-type game play.

The primary gaming portion 108 may include other features known in theart that facilitate gaming, such as status and control portion 109. Asis generally known in the art, this portion 109 provides informationabout current bets, current wins, remaining credits, etc. associatedwith gaming activities of the grid of game elements 110. The controlportion 109 may also provide touchscreen controls for facilitating gameplay. The grid of game elements 110 may also include touchscreenfeatures, such as facilitating selection of individual symbols, or usercontrols over stopping or spinning reels. The game display 106 of thedisplay area 102 may include other features that are not shown, such aspaytables, navigation controls, etc.

Although FIG. 1 illustrates a particular implementation of some of theembodiments of this invention in a casino or electronic gaming machine(“EGM”), one or more devices may be programmed to play variousembodiments of the invention. The present invention may be implemented,as shown in FIG. 1, as a casino gaming machine or other special purposegaming kiosk as described herein, or may be implemented via computingsystems operating under the direction of local gaming software, and/orremotely-provided software such as provided by an application serviceprovider (ASP). Casino gaming machines may also utilize computingsystems to control and manage the gaming activity, although thesecomputing systems typically include specialized components and/orfunctionality to operate the particular elements of casino gamingmachines. Additionally, computing systems operating over networks, suchas the Internet, may also include specialized components and/orfunctionality to operate elements particular to these systems, such asrandom number generators. An example of a representative computingsystem capable of carrying out operations in accordance with theinvention is illustrated in FIG. 2.

Hardware, firmware, software or a combination thereof may be used toperform the various gaming functions, display presentations andoperations described herein. The functional modules used in connectionwith the invention may reside in a gaming machine as described, or mayalternatively reside on a stand-alone or networked computer. Thecomputing structure 200 of FIG. 2 is an example computing structure thatcan be used in connection with such electronic gaming machines,computers, or other computer-implemented devices to carry out operationsof the present invention. Although numerous components or elements areshown as part of this computing structure 200 in FIG. 2, additional orfewer components may be utilized in particular implementations ofembodiments of the invention.

The example computing arrangement 200 suitable for performing the gamingfunctions in accordance with the present invention typically includes acentral processor (CPU) 202 coupled to random access memory (RAM) 204and some variation of read-only memory (ROM) 206. The ROM 206 may alsorepresent other types of storage media to store programs, such asprogrammable ROM (PROM), erasable PROM (EPROM), etc. The processor 202may communicate with other internal and external components throughinput/output (I/O) circuitry 208 and bussing 210, to provide controlsignals, communication signals, and the like.

The computing arrangement 200 may also include one or more data storagedevices, including hard and floppy disk drives 212, CD-ROM drives 214,card reader 215, and other hardware capable of reading and/or storinginformation such as DVD, etc. In one embodiment, software for carryingout the operations in accordance with the present invention may bestored and distributed on a CD-ROM 216, diskette 218, access card 219,or other form of computer readable media capable of portably storinginformation. These storage media may be inserted into, and read by,devices such as the CD-ROM drive 214, the disk drive 212, card reader215, etc. The software may also be transmitted to the computingarrangement 200 via data signals, such as being downloadedelectronically via a network, such as local area network (casino,property, or bank network) or a wide area network (e.g., the Internet).Further, as previously described, the software for carrying out thefunctions associated with the present invention may alternatively bestored in internal memory/storage of the computing device 200, such asin the ROM 206.

The computing arrangement 200 is coupled to the display 211, whichrepresents a display on which the gaming activities in accordance withthe invention are presented. The display 211 represents the“presentation” of the game information in accordance with the invention,and may be a mechanical display showing physical spinning reels, a videodisplay, such as liquid crystal displays, plasma displays, cathode raytubes (CRT), digital light processing (DLP) displays, liquid crystal onsilicon (LCOS) displays, etc., or any type of known display orpresentation screen.

Where the computing device 200 represents a stand-alone or networkedcomputer, the display 211 may represent a standard computer terminal ordisplay capable of displaying multiple windows, frames, etc. Where thecomputing device 200 represents a mobile electronic device, the display211 may represent the video display of the mobile electronic device.Where the computing device 200 is embedded within an electronic gamingmachine, the display 211 corresponds to the display screen of the gamingmachine/kiosk.

A user input interface 222 such as a mouse, keyboard/keypad, microphone,touch pad, trackball, joystick, touch screen, voice-recognition system,card reader, biometric scanner, RFID detector, etc. may be provided. Theuser input interface 222 may be used to input commands in the computingarrangement 200, such as placing wagers or initiating gaming events onthe computing arrangement 200, inputting currency or other paymentinformation to establish a credit amount or wager amount, or inputtingdata to identify a player for a player loyalty system. The display 211may also act as a user input device, e.g., where the display 211 is atouchscreen device. In embodiments, where the computing device 200 isimplemented in a personal computer, tablet, smart phone, or otherconsumer electronic device, the user interface and display may be theavailable input/output mechanisms related to those devices.

Chance-based gaming systems such as slot machines, in which the presentinvention is applicable, are governed by random numbers and processors,as facilitated by a random number generator (RNG). The fixed and dynamicsymbols generated as part of a gaming activity may be produced using oneor more RNGs. RNGs may be implemented using hardware, software operablein connection with the processor 202, or some combination of hardwareand software. The present invention is operable using any known RNG, andmay be integrally programmed as part of the processor 202 operation, oralternatively may be a separate RNG controller 240. The RNGs are oftenprotected by one or more security measures to prevent tampering, such asby using secured circuitry, locks on the physical game cabinet, and/orremote circuitry that transmits data to the gaming device.

The computing arrangement 200 may be connected to other computingdevices or gaming machines, such as via a network. The computingarrangement 200 may be connected to a network server 228 in an intranetor local network configuration. The computer may further be part of alarger network configuration as in a global area network (GAN) such asthe Internet. In such a case, the computer may have access to one ormore web servers via the Internet. In other arrangements, the computingarrangement 200 may be configured as an Internet server and software forcarrying out the operations in accordance with the present invention mayinteract with the player via one or more networks. The computingarrangement 200 may also be operable over a social network or othernetwork environment that may or may not regulate the wagering and/orgaming activity associated with gaming events played on the computingarrangement.

Other components directed to gaming machine implementations includemanners of gaming participant payment, and gaming machine payout. Forexample, a gaming machine including the computing arrangement 200 mayalso include a payout controller 242 to receive a signal from theprocessor 202 indicating a payout is to be made to a player andcontrolling a payout device 244 to facilitate payment of the payout tothe player. In some embodiments, the payout controller 242 mayindependently determine the amount of payout to be provided to theparticipant or player. In other embodiments, the payout controller 242may be integrally implemented with the processor 202. The payoutcontroller 242 may be a hopper controller, a print driver,credit-transmitting device, bill-dispensing controller, accountingsoftware, or other controller device configured to verify and/orfacilitate payment to a player.

A payout device 244 may also be provided in gaming machine embodiments,where the payout device 244 serves as the mechanism providing the payoutto the player or participant. In some embodiments, the payout device maybe a hopper, where the hopper serves as the mechanism holding thecoins/tokens of the machine, and/or distributing the coins/tokens to theplayer in response to a signal from the payout controller 242. In otherembodiments, the payout device 244 may be a printer mechanism structuredto print credit-based tickets that may be redeemed by the player forcash, credit, or other casino value-based currency. In yet otherembodiments, the payout device 244 may send a signal via the networkserver 228 or other device to electronically provide a credit amount toan account associated with the player, such as a credit card account orplayer loyalty account. The computing arrangement 200 may also includeaccounting data stored in one of the memory devices 204, 206. Thisaccounting data may be transmitted to a casino accounting network orother network to manage accounting statistics for the computingarrangement or to provide verification data for the currency orcurrency-based tickets distributed by the payout device, such asproviding the data associated with the bar codes printed on thecurrency-based tickets so they are identifiable as valid tickets for aparticular amount when the player redeems them or inserts them inanother gaming device.

The wager input module or device 246 represents any mechanism foraccepting coins, tokens, coupons, bills, electronic fund transfer (EFT),tickets, credit cards, smart cards, membership/loyalty cards, etc., forwhich a participant inputs a wager amount. The wager input device 246may include magnetic strip readers, bar code scanners, light sensors, orother detection devices to identify and validate physical currency,currency-based tickets, cards with magnetized-strips, or other mediuminputted into the wager input device. When a particular medium isreceived in the wager input device 246, a signal may be generated toestablish or increase an available credit amount or balance stored inthe internal memory/storage of the computing device 200, such as in theRAM 204. Thereafter, specific wagers placed on games may reduce theavailable credit amount, while awards won may increase the availablecredit amount. It will be appreciated that the primary gaming software232 may be able to control payouts via the payout device 244 and payoutcontroller 242 for independently determined payout events.

Among other functions, the computing arrangement 200 provides aninteractive experience to players via an input interface 222 and outputdevices, such as the display 211, speaker 230, etc. These experiencesare generally controlled by gaming software 232 that controls a primarygaming activity of the computing arrangement 200. The gaming software232 may be temporarily loaded into RAM 204, and may be stored locallyusing any combination of ROM 206, drives 212, media player 214, or othercomputer-readable storage media known in the art. The primary gamingsoftware 232 may also be accessed remotely, such as via the server 228or the Internet.

The primary gaming software 232 in the computing arrangement 200 may bean application software module. According to embodiments of the presentinvention, this software 232 provides a slot game or similar game ofchance as described hereinabove. For example, the software 232 maypresent, by way of the display 211, representations of symbols to map orotherwise display as part of a slot based game having reels. However, inother embodiments, the principles of this concept may be applied topoker games or other types of games of chance. One or more alignedpositions of these game elements may be evaluated to determine awardsbased on a paytable. The software 232 may include instructions toprovide other functionality as known in the art or as described andshown herein.

Embodiments of the invention include gaming devices, such as thosedescribed above that are configured to implement a subsymbol bonusfeature. The subsymbol bonus feature may be implemented in a variety ofmanners to enhance the game play of the gaming device and the enjoymentof the player. One of the challenges of implementing embodiments in somevideo poker games that include multiple rounds, such as draw poker, hold'em poker, etc. is that the presence of subsymbols may affect thetypical play strategy of the games. That is, if the subsymbols aresimply assigned to cards in the deck and no subsymbols are included onthe playing cards initially dealt, a player may change her pokerstrategy from an optimum or known strategy to try to get more cards on adraw or second round. For example, in a draw poker game, if a playerreceives 2H, 4H, 7H, 10H, 2D, but none of the cards have a subsymbol,the player may hold the 2H and 2D to try and have three chances ofgetting the subsymbol on one of the cards in the draw instead of holdingthe 2H, 4H, 7H, and 10H (which is typically a better play in going forthe flush hand) because she will have only one chance to get a card witha subsymbol on the draw. Since a change in strategy can be viewed ascomplicated and unattractive to certain players, a video poker gamingdevice may be configured according to embodiments of this invention toremove this change of strategy element.

For example, in some embodiments, a video poker game uses standard pokercards that can have a subsymbol placed on, assigned to, or otherwiseassociated with a card. If the card with the subsymbol appears, ittriggers a bonus feature. In this example embodiment, there are twodecks of virtual cards used, Deck 1 and Deck 2. Prior to the deal, atable may be used to decide if a subsymbol is placed on a single randomcard in Deck 1. Cards are dealt from Deck 1. If the card with asubsymbol is dealt, then the feature is initiated. If the card with asub-symbol was placed in Deck 1, but the card with a sub-symbol was notdealt, then the following 6-step process occurs after cards are held:

-   -   1) The subsymbol is removed from the card in Deck 1.    -   2) A table is used to decide if a subsymbol is placed on a        single random card in Deck 2.    -   3) The cards in Deck 2 that match the non-held dealt cards are        removed from Deck 2.    -   4) If any cards in Hand 1 match the card with a subsymbol from        Deck 2 including the held cards, then the matching card with the        sub-symbol from Deck 2 replaces the matching card from Hand 1,        and the bonus feature is initiated.    -   5) If any cards in Hand 1 match cards in Deck 2, they are        removed from Deck 2.    -   6) The remaining cards for Hand 1 are dealt from Deck 2. If the        card with a subsymbol is dealt, then the bonus feature is        initiated.

If the bonus feature includes a bonus wheel to randomly determine amultiplier to use with any awards from the poker hand evaluation, thenthe final pays from the poker hand are multiplied by the multiplierdetermined from the bonus feature. There are many possible variationsand other embodiments possible that are included in the scope of thisinventive concept. For example, the above rules limited 1 card to appearon Hand 1 either before holding, or after holding. However, in otherembodiments, it is possible to set up the rules so that multiple cardswith the subsymbol can appear, multiple subsymbols occur on the samecard, or that they appear on different hands. The subsymbol can be usedin different ways. For example, multiple subsymbols could upgrade therange of multiplier possible in the bonus feature.

In one example embodiment, a single subsymbol is randomly placed on acard in a video draw poker game. Here, Deck 1 is used to deal cards, anda secondary comparison Deck 2 is used to decide whether to place afeature triggering subsymbol after the cards are held. Prior to thedeal, a first table is used to decide if a subsymbol is placed on asingle random card in Deck 1. Cards are then dealt from Deck 1. If thecard with the associated subsymbol is dealt, then the bonus feature isinitiated. If the subsymbol was placed in Deck 1 via the first table,but the card with the subsymbol was not dealt, then the followingprocess occurs after the cards are held:

-   -   1) The subsymbol is removed from the card in Deck 1    -   2) A second table is used to decide if a sub-symbol is placed on        a single random card in the second Deck.    -   3) If the held cards in the poker hand or any card drawn to the        poker hand (replacement cards) after the hold match the card        with the subsymbol in Deck 2, then the matching card in the        poker hand gains a subsymbol and the bonus feature is initiated.

In another example embodiment using 2 subsymbols placed on the cards,Deck 1 may be used to deal cards, and a secondary comparison Deck 2 isused to decide whether to place a feature triggering subsymbol after thecards are held. Prior to the deal, a first table is used to decide if asubsymbol is placed on two unique random cards in Deck 1. Cards aredealt from Deck 1. If both cards with a subsymbol would be dealt, thenone of the subsymbols is randomly removed. If a card with a subsymbol isdealt, then the bonus feature is initiated. If subsymbols were placed inDeck 1 via the first table, but a card with a subsymbol was not dealt,then the following process occurs after cards are held:

-   -   1) The subsymbols are removed from the card(s) in Deck 1.    -   2) A second table is used to decide if a subsymbol is placed on        two unique random cards in Deck 2.    -   3) If the held cards in in the poker hand or any card drawn to        the poker hand (replacement cards) after the hold match either        of the cards with a subsymbol in Deck 2, then a single random        matching card in the poker hand from Deck 1 gains a subsymbol        and the bonus feature is initiated.

Alternatively, if more than one matching subsymbol is present in thedealt hand from Deck 1, or after the draw from Deck 1 and/or Deck 2,both subsymbols may be kept and shown on the cards. Here, having bothsubsymbols appear in the poker hand may add something extra to the bonusfeature, or the bonus feature may be triggered twice.

FIG. 3 is a diagram of a gaming display showing a subsymbol featureimplemented in a video poker game according to embodiments of theinvention. Referring to FIG. 3, a game display 300 includes a poker handof cards 310 that includes a card 312 with a subsymbol overlaid, placed,or otherwise associated with that card. Here, the Ace of Spades includesa wheel subsymbol indicating that a wheel bonus feature is triggered.

FIGS. 4A and 4B are flow diagrams representing methods in which a gamingdevice and/or gaming system can be operated according to embodiments ofthe invention. Although various processes are shown in a particularorder in these flow diagrams, the order of these processes can bechanged in other embodiments without deviating from the scope or spiritof this concept. Hence, the order of the processes shown is forillustrative purposes only and is not meant to be restrictive.Additional game processes may also be included between various processeseven though they are not shown in these flow diagrams for claritypurposes. Further each of the processes may be performed by componentsin a single game device, such as by a game processor, or may beperformed in part or whole by a remote server or processor connected tothe gaming device via a network. Each process may be encoded ininstructions that are stored in a memory, a computer-readable medium, oranother type of storage device. Note that these example methods are justsome embodiments of how the steps of a game operation can beimplemented. As discussed and shown above, many variations exist whichmay require additional, fewer, or different processes to complete.

Referring to FIGS. 4A and 4B, flow 400 begins at process 405 where playof a poker game is initiated. In process 410, it is determined if one ormore subsymbols randomly appear on (i.e., are associated with) one ormore respective cards is a first deck of cards, Deck 1. In someembodiments, the determination here may be fixed. That is, one subsymbolis always assigned to a card in the deck of cards. In other embodiments,this determination process may include determining if one subsymbol willbe assigned to the one of the cards in the deck cards, or whether nocards will have an associated subsymbol. In yet other embodiments, thisdetermination process may include whether zero, one, or more cards areassigned a subsymbol. In still other embodiments, this determinationprocess may include determining what type of subsymbol to associate tothe randomly selected card(s). This may happen in embodiments where, forexample, multiple types of subsymbols are possible.

In process 415, it is determined if Deck 1 includes at least one cardassociated with a subsymbol. If Deck 1 is determined to have nosubsymbols associated with any card, flow 400 proceeds to process 420where the cards are dealt to a poker hand from Deck 1. The cards maythen be held and replacement cards drawn in process 422, to display afinal poker hand in process 425. Awards are then provided in process 428based on an evaluation of the final poker hand with respect to apaytable. Returning to process 415, if it is determined that Deck 1 doesinclude at least one card with an associated subsymbol, flow 400proceeds to process 430 to determine which cards from Deck 1 are to bedealt. In process 435, it is determined if any of the cards to be dealtare associated with a subsymbol. If one or more cards of the cards to bedealt is associated with a subsymbol, flow 400 proceeds to process 440where the determined cards are dealt to the poker hand. As the subsymbolis now shown as associated with one of the dealt cards, flow 400proceeds to process 442 where the bonus feature or event is initiated.In process 444, the cards are enabled to be held and replacement cardsdrawn for any non-held cards. In process 446, the final poker hand isdisplayed, and in process 448, awards are provided from an evaluation ofthe final poker hand as modified from the bonus event. Here, forexample, if the bonus event determined a multiplier, any awardassociated with the poker hand from a paytable is multiplied by themultiplier determined from the bonus event. In another example, if thebonus event determined a bonus card, that bonus card may be used inevaluating the final poker hand with the paytable. That is, the bestfive card hand from the six cards (the five from the final hand and theone bonus card) may be used to determine awards.

Returning to process 435, if the dealt cards do not include a cardassociated with a subsymbol (but at least one card in Deck 1 isassociated with a subsymbol), flow 400 proceeds to process 450 where thedetermined cards are dealt to the poker hand from Deck 1. The subsymbolis then removed from the Deck 1 card that is was initially assigned toin process 452 and a determination is made in process 455 as to whethera subsymbol is to appear on at least one card in Deck 2. Process 455 mayinclude similar steps to process 410 described above, or may include adifferent variation of the embodiments described above with respect toprocess 410. Flow 400 then proceeds to step 460 (shown in FIG. 4B) todetermine if Deck 2 includes a card with a subsymbol. If Deck 2 does notinclude a card associated with a subsymbol, flow 400 proceeds to process470 where the cards in the poker hand are enabled to be held andreplacement cards drawn. In process 472 the final poker hand isdisplayed based on the cards held and the replacement cards drawn, andawards are provided after evaluating the final poker hand with respectto a paytable in process 475.

Returning to process 460, if Deck 2 does include at least one card witha subsymbol, flow 400 proceeds to process 480 where the cards areenabled to be held and non-held cards are discarded in favor ofreplacement cards. In process 490, it is determined whether the card(s)with the subsymbol(s) in Deck 2 match any held cards in the poker handor if they are the replacement cards that will be drawn to the pokerhand to replace the discarded non-held cards. In some embodiments,process 490 may be implemented after displaying the final poker handwith the replacement cards, but as shown in FIG. 4B this process iscompleted prior to showing the replacement cards and final hand. Thismay build anticipation in the player as the bonus event may yield alarge multiplier or other attractive bonus modifier and the final pokerhand may not yet be completely known (although it would if all cardswere held from the dealt hand—but that usually only happens if the dealthand includes a winning poker hand already associated with an award fromthe paytable). If it is determined in process 490 that the card(s) inDeck 2 associated with a subsymbol do not match the held cards in thepoker hand, and will not be the replacement cards drawn, flow 400proceeds to process 472 and process 475 to display the final poker handand provide awards based on that final poker hand. If, on the otherhand, it is determined in process 490 that the card (s) in Deck 2associated with a subsymbol does match the held cards in the poker handand/or will be included in the replacement cards drawn, flow 400proceeds to process 492 where the bonus event is initiated. In someembodiments, the bonus event may be initiated after the final poker handis displayed, but in this embodiment shown in these figures, the finalpoker hand is displayed in process 495 after the bonus event isinitiated to build player anticipation. After the final poker hand isdisplayed, awards based on the final poker hand as modified by theoutcome of the bonus event are provided in process 498.

FIGS. 5A and 5B are diagrams of a gaming display showing a progressionof game events using subsymbols according to embodiments of theinvention. Referring to FIG. 5A, a game display 500 includes a pokerhand of cards 510 that includes a card 512 with a subsymbol overlaid,placed, or otherwise associated with that card. Here, the Ace of Spadesincludes a wheel subsymbol indicating that a wheel bonus feature istriggered. In FIG. 5B a bonus wheel feature is shown on the game display500. Here, a bonus window 520 shows concentric bonus wheels 525 thatindividually spin to determine a bonus multiplier value. Here, anindicator 530 shows that a “2×” and “4×” multipliers were awarded fromthe bonus wheels 525. These multipliers are then summed and shown in theGame Multiplier meter 540 as “6×.” Thus, any awards won in the pokergame will be multiplied by 6×. As shown in FIG. 5B, just based on thecards dealt, the player can hold the pair of Queens and be guaranteed anaward of at least something multiplier by 6× (assuming Jacks or betterpairs pay in the paytable). However, the player can improve this pokerhand on the draw and potentially get 3-of-a-kind Queens or 4-of-a-kindQueens with larger award values that will be multiplied by the 6× fromthe bonus feature. In other embodiments, the multipliers may bemultiplied together. Here, in a similar circumstance to that describedabove, a total multiplier may be 8× as the received “4×” and “2×”multipliers are multiplied together. In yet other embodiments, othermethods may be used to combine multiple subsymbol award or modificationvalues, such as giving the greater of the values presented, giving theaverage or mean value of the values presented, etc.

FIGS. 6A and 6B are diagrams of a gaming display showing anotherprogression of game events using subsymbols according to embodiments ofthe invention. Referring to FIG. 6A, a game display 600 includes a pokerhand of cards 610 that includes a card 612 with a subsymbol overlaid,placed, or otherwise associated with that card. Here, the Ace of Spadesincludes a die subsymbol indicating that a dice bonus feature istriggered. In FIG. 6B a bonus window 620 is shown on the game display600 where a dice bonus game is provided. Here, two dice 625A and 625Bare rolled and the outcome of the roll is used to determine a bonusmultiplier for the next played poker game. That is, the 2× multipliershown in the Next Game Multiplier meter 650 will be applied to the nextplayed poker game instead of the current game. A Current Game MultiplierMeter 640 may also be shown on the game display. Here, the current pokergame does not have a bonus multiplier.

FIG. 7 is a diagram of a gaming display showing another subsymbolfeature implemented in a video poker game according to embodiments ofthe invention. Referring to FIG. 7, a game display 700 includes a pokerhand of cards 710 that includes a card 712 with subsymbols overlaid,placed, or otherwise associated with that card. Here, the Ace of Spadesincludes two dice subsymbols that are used to generate a bonus awardvalue. That is, in this embodiment, zero, one, or two dice subsymbolsmay appear on a playing card in the deck of cards. In addition todetermining whether the dice subsymbols will appear on a card, and whichcard they will appear on, a further random determination is made as towhat side of the dice to show. This random determination of which sideof the dice to show may be made before the cards are dealt, so they aredealt in this embodiment with the two dice each showing 3 pips, or theymay be dealt with a generic dice image or dice face and then roll oncethe cards are dealt to enhance player anticipation of what the bonusvalue may be. In this embodiment, as both dice are shown with the sideshaving 3 pips up, the player is awarded a “6×” multiplier, which isshown in the Game Multiplier Meter 740.

FIGS. 8A and 8B are diagrams of a gaming display showing anotherprogression of game events using subsymbols according to embodiments ofthe invention. Referring to FIG. 8A, a game display 800 includes amulti-hand poker game where a first poker hand 810, second poker hand812, and third poker hand 814 are shown on the display. Cards areinitially only dealt to the first poker hand 810, and cards held in thefirst poker hand are then replicated in the second poker hand 812 andthird poker hand 814, as shown in FIG. 8A. Additionally, the gamedisplay 800 includes a first Game Multiplier Meter 830 associated withthe first poker hand 810, a second Game Multiplier Meter 832 associatedwith the second poker hand 812, and a third Game Multiplier Meter 834associated with the third poker hand 814. Here, the first dealt pokerhand included two cards 820 and 822 with associated subsymbols.Additionally, the player has held the Queen in the first poker hand 810,which has been replicated in the second poker hand 812 and third pokerhand 814. Since the first poker hand included cards associated withsubsymbols 820, 822, the first Game Multiplier Meter 830 has beenmodified to show the current game multiplier for the first poker hand of“8×.”

In FIG. 8B, the player has discarded the non-held cards and drawn newreplacement cards in the first poker hand 810. This also includesdealing cards to the remaining open spots in the second poker hand 812and third poker hand 814. As shown in FIG. 8B, the second poker hand 812now includes a card 824 with a subsymbol of die showing 2 pips. Thesecond Game Multiplier Meter 832 is updated to reflect this die value of“2×.” Also shown in FIG. 8B is the third poker hand 814 that nowincludes a card 826 with a dice subsymbol showing a side with four pipsand a card 828 with a dice subsymbol showing a side with six pips. Here,the third Game Multiplier Meter 834 to reflect the sum of these dicevalues of “10×.” Note, that a process similar to the one discussed aboveis used to determine whether the cards held and drawn receive anassociated subsymbol. Here, the card referenced by 826 was originallyheld and did not have a subsymbol associated with it based on the deal.However, after the replacement draw, it is now associated with a dicesubsymbol. Hence, if the process used was the same as described abovewith respect to FIGS. 4A and 4B, a determination was made in a seconddeck of cards that the Queen of Hearts was to be associated with asubsymbol. Additionally, as shown in this embodiment, separate decks ofcards may be used to determine the draw cards for each poker hand 810,812, 814 and for the determination of whether subsymbols will beassociated (and which cards to be associated with) with cards in eachpoker hand. That is, for this three-hand game, six separate decks ofcards may be used. In other embodiments, however, less decks may be usedfor the draw and/or subsymbol determinations.

FIG. 9 is a diagram of a gaming display showing another subsymbolfeature implemented in a spinning reel game according to embodiments ofthe invention. Referring to FIG. 9, a game display 900 includes a gamegrid 910 of game symbols, a Total Bet Meter 906, a Paid Meter 908, aSPIN Button 950 and a Game Multiplier Meter 940. Here, the game reelshave been spun and have come to a rest in the game grid 910. Two of thegame symbols 932 and 934 in the game grid are associated with dicesubsymbols. In this embodiment, the values shown on the faces of anydice subsymbols that appear on the game grid 910 as a game outcome arecombined to give a game multiplier. As shown in the Game MultiplierMeter 940, the dice subsymbols of six pips and two pips are combined togive an “8×” game multiplier. However, as no winning game combinationsof game symbols were received as part of the game outcome, no awards areprovided as shown by the Paid Meter 908.

FIGS. 10A, 10B, 10C, and 10D are diagrams of a gaming display showinganother progression of game events using subsymbols according toembodiments of the invention. Referring to FIG. 10A, a game display 1000includes a game grid 1010 of game symbols, a Total Bet Meter 1006, aPaid Meter 1008, a SPIN Button 1050 and a Game Multiplier Meter 1040.Here, the game reels have been spun and have come to a rest in the gamegrid 1010. As part of this displayed game outcome, one of the gamesymbols 1030 is associated with a subsymbol that triggers a bonusfeature or event. Referring to FIG. 10B, this bonus feature opens abonus window with a prize wheel 1035 that includes multiplier values. Inother embodiments the prize wheel 1035 may include credit values, prizegive-a-ways, progressives, extra symbols, Wild symbols, Bonus symbol,etc., or combinations of the above.

Referring to FIG. 10C, the prize wheel 1035 is spun and a section of theprize wheel is selected. Here, the selected section of the prize wheelis associated with an “8×” multiplier. In some embodiments, these valueson the prize wheel 1035 may be static or fixed so that are the same foreach bonus feature. In other embodiments, the values shown on the prizewheel 1035 may be dynamic and change according to a probability table orrandom draw between bonus features. In other embodiments, multiple prizewheels may be used to determine a bonus award or modifier. In otherembodiments, the values on the prize wheel 1035, type of prizes offeredon the prize wheel, or number of prize wheels may change is more thanone symbol is received in a game outcome that is associated with asubsymbol. Here, as shown in FIG. 10D, the game multiplier value of 8×is used to multiply the 50 credit award for the four shaded-sevens to400 credits total, as reflected in the Paid Meter 1008.

The foregoing description of the exemplary embodiments has beenpresented for the purposes of illustration and description. It is notintended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise formdisclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in light ofthe above teaching. For example, the present invention is equallyapplicable in electronic or mechanical gaming machines, and is alsoapplicable to live table versions of gaming activities that are capableof being played in a table version (e.g., machines involving poker orcard games that could be played via table games).

Some embodiments of the invention have been described above, and inaddition, some specific details are shown for purposes of illustratingthe inventive principles. However, numerous other arrangements may bedevised in accordance with the inventive principles of this patentdisclosure. Further, well known processes have not been described indetail in order not to obscure the invention. Thus, while the inventionis described in conjunction with the specific embodiments illustrated inthe drawings, it is not limited to these embodiments or drawings.Rather, the invention is intended to cover alternatives, modifications,and equivalents that come within the scope and spirit of the inventiveprinciples set out above and in the appended claims.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A casino slot machine comprising: aphysical gaming cabinet having one or more locks to restrict access tothe inside of the gaming cabinet; a display attached to the gamingcabinet, the display including a video screen having a poker game playgrid; a player interface attached to the gaming cabinet, the playerinterface including at least one button, the button configured togenerate a signal in response to being activated; a memory housed in thegaming cabinet, the memory configured to store a first virtual deck ofcards, a second virtual deck of cards, and a credit amount; a randomnumber generator locked inside the gaming cabinet; a wager input devicehoused in the gaming cabinet, the wager input device structured toreceive physical items associated with currency values; and a processorhoused in the gaming cabinet, the processor operable to: receive asignal from the wager input device indicating receipt of a physical itemassociated with a currency value; increase the credit amount stored inthe memory based on the currency value associated with the receivedphysical item; receive a primary game initiation signal from the playerinterface including a wager amount, the wager amount deducted from thecredit amount stored in the memory; determine using the random numbergenerator a card in the first virtual deck of cards to associate with abonus subsymbol; randomly deal an initial poker hand from the firstvirtual deck of cards to the poker game play grid on the display basedon random numbers generated by the random number generator; determine ifany of the cards dealt to the initial poker hand are associated with thebonus subsymbol; initiate a secondary bonus event when one of the cardsdealt to the initial poker hand is associated with the bonus subsymbol;receive signals from the player interface indicating cards to be held inthe initial poker hand; when none of the cards in the initial poker handare associated with the bonus subsymbol: determine using the randomnumber generator a card in the second virtual deck of cards toassociated with a bonus subsymbol, replace any cards held in the initialpoker hand with corresponding cards from the second virtual deck ofcards, replace any cards not held in the initial poker hand withrandomly drawn cards from the second virtual deck of cards based onrandom numbers generated by the random number generator to form a finalpoker hand, the final poker hand displayed on the display, determine ifany of the cards in the final poker hand are associated with the bonussubsymbol, and initiate a secondary bonus event when one of the cards inthe final poker hand is associated with the bonus subsymbol; determineawards associated with the final poker hand based off of a predefinedpaytable; modify any determined awards associated with the final pokerhand with an outcome of the secondary bonus event; and increase thecredit amount stored in the memory by any determined awards as modifiedby the outcome of the secondary bonus event.
 2. The gaming device ofclaim 1, wherein the secondary bonus event is a wheel spin to determinea multiplier value.
 3. The gaming device of claim 2, wherein thesecondary bonus event includes two wheels having multiplier values,where the first wheel is spun to determine a first multiplier value,where the second wheel is spun to determine a second multiplier value,and where the first multiplier value is multiplied by the secondmultiplier value to provide the outcome of the secondary bonus event. 4.The gaming device of claim 1, wherein the secondary bonus event is adice roll to determine a multiplier value.
 5. The gaming device of claim4, wherein the secondary bonus event includes two dice, where the firstdie if rolled to determine a first outcome value, where the second dieis rolled to determine a second outcome value, and where the firstoutcome value and the second outcome values are added together toprovide a multiplier value as the outcome of the secondary bonus event.6. The gaming device of claim 1, wherein the deal of the initial pokerhand is stopped when a card associated with the bonus subsymbol isdisplayed on the poker game play grid on the display so the secondarybonus event can be played before dealing any additional cards to theinitial poker hand on the poker game play grid on the display.
 7. Thegaming device of claim 1, wherein determining a card in the firstvirtual deck of cards to associate with a bonus subsymbol includesdetermining a plurality of cards in the first virtual deck of cards toassociate with bonus subsymbols.
 8. The gaming device of claim 1,wherein determining a card in the second virtual deck of cards toassociate with a bonus subsymbol includes determining a plurality ofcards in the second virtual deck of cards to associate with bonussubsymbols.
 9. The gaming device of claim 1, wherein replacing any cardsheld in the initial poker hand with corresponding cards from the secondvirtual deck of cards is not shown on the display.
 10. The gaming deviceof claim 1, wherein replacing any cards held in the initial poker handwith corresponding cards from the second virtual deck of cards is notshown on the display unless one of the cards being replaced by a cardfrom the second virtual deck of cards is the card associated with thebonus subsymbol, where only the bonus subsymbol is shown added to thecorresponding held card in the initial poker hand.
 11. A gaming devicecomprising: a display including a video screen having a game play grid;a player interface including at least one button, the button configuredto generate a signal in response to being activated; a memory configuredto store a credit amount; a wager input device structured to receivephysical items associated with currency values; and a processor operableto: receive a signal indicating receipt of a physical item associatedwith a currency value; increase the credit amount stored in the memorybased on the currency value associated with the received physical item;receive a primary game initiation signal including a wager amount, thewager amount deducted from the credit amount stored in the memory;determine a game outcome for a primary game; determine if a bonussubsymbol is associated with at least one symbol in the determined gameoutcome for the primary game; when a bonus subsymbol is associated witha symbol in the determined game outcome for the primary game: randomlydetermine a value associated with the bonus subsymbol, and assign avisual depiction of the bonus subsymbol based on the determined valueassociated with the bonus subsymbol; display the game outcome for theprimary game on the game play grid of the display, where the assignedvisual depiction of the bonus subsymbol is overlaid on the associatedsymbol in the primary game; determine awards associated with the gameoutcome for the primary game; modify the awards associated with the gameoutcome for the primary game by the determined value of the bonussubsymbol; and increase the credit amount stored in the memory by anydetermined awards as modified by the determined value of the bonussubsymbol.
 12. The gaming device of claim 11, where the bonus subsymbolis a die.
 13. The gaming device of claim 12, wherein each side of thedie is associated with a multiplier value corresponding to a number ofpips visually presented on a respective side of the die.
 14. The gamingdevice of claim 11, wherein when a first bonus subsymbol is associatedwith a first symbol in the determined game outcome for the primary gameand a second bonus subsymbol is associated with a second symbol in thedetermined game outcome, the processor is further operable to: randomlydetermine a first value associated with the first bonus subsymbol;assign a visual depiction of the first bonus subsymbol based on thedetermined first value associated with the first bonus subsymbol;randomly determine a second value associated with the second bonussubsymbol; assign a visual depiction of the second bonus subsymbol basedon the determined second value associated with the second bonussubsymbol; and combine the first value with the second value.
 15. Thegaming device of claim 14, wherein the first value and the second valueare combined by adding the first value to the second value.
 16. Thegaming device of claim 14, wherein the first value and the second valueare combined by multiplying the first value with the second value.
 17. Agaming device comprising: a display including a video screen having agame play grid; a player interface including at least one button, thebutton configured to generate a signal in response to being activated; amemory configured to store a first virtual deck of cards, a secondvirtual deck of cards, and a credit amount; a wager input devicestructured to receive physical items associated with currency values;and a processor operable to: receive a signal indicating receipt of aphysical item associated with a currency value; increase the creditamount stored in the memory based on the currency value associated withthe received physical item; receive a primary game initiation signalincluding a wager amount, the wager amount deducted from the creditamount stored in the memory; determine a game outcome for a primarygame; determine if a bonus subsymbol is associated with at least onesymbol in the determined game outcome for the primary game; display thedetermined game outcome for the primary game on the game grid of thedisplay, where any determined bonus subsymbol is overlaid the associatedsymbol in the primary game; when a bonus subsymbol is associated with asymbol in the determined game outcome for the primary game: open a bonuswindow to show an animation of the bonus subsymbol, determine a bonusoutcome for the bonus subsymbol, and visually stop the animation of thebonus subsymbol in the bonus window to show the determined bonus outcomefor the bonus subsymbol; determine awards associated with the gameoutcome for the primary game; modify the awards associated with the gameoutcome for the primary game by the determined bonus outcome of thebonus subsymbol; and increase the credit amount stored in the memory byany determined awards as modified by the determined bonus outcome of thebonus subsymbol.
 18. The gaming device of claim 17, wherein the bonussubsymbol is a wheel icon with a plurality of sections having awardvalues.
 19. The gaming device of claim 18, wherein opening a bonuswindow to show an animation of the bonus subsymbol includes spinning thewheel icon in the bonus window.
 20. The gaming device of claim 17,wherein each award value in the sections of the wheel icon aremultiplier values.